Infections could increase risk for neurodegeneration

The study is “very relevant,” says Professor Dr. Martin ShortHead of the Neuroinflammation working group and Neurodegeneration am Helmholtz Center for Infection Research in Braunschweig. “It becomes particularly relevant when you have an idea of ​​how these connections might come regarding.” His working group was able to show in mouse models that a flu infection in particular also activates the immune system in the brain, including microglial cells, by strongly stimulating the immune system. These are suspected of damaging nerve cells if they are active for weeks and months. “Our hypothesis is that this neuroinflammation increases the risk for neurodegenerative diseases can increase«, so Short.